The baitcasting revolution is here!

We have noticed a growing trend on the predator scene across Europe from street fishing to jerk bait casting, Baitcasting reels, more so, low profile Baitcasting reels. So that brings the question, why choose a Baitcasting reel. Here we explain the main advantages.

Why choose a Baitcasting reel?

There are two main reason to choose a Baitcasting reel, control and accuracy. In general Baitcasting reels have been for the more experienced angler who wants exceptional casting accuracy and precise lure control. This is because setting the breaking systems to the conditions is vital to avoiding tangles and gaining maximum distance. With a little practice anyone can use a Baitcasting reel effectively, Shimano Baitcasting reels have three main breaking systems all of which of very simple to use, one even adjusts for you every time you cast!

The biggest difference to a conventional spinning reel is that the spool rotates as you cast. This rotation can be controlled by an adjustable internal brake system, which can be pre-set to the correct tension to suit your casting weight and also your ability. Using less braking force requires more control from the angler, by applying pressure using the thumb to prevent overruns.

Once the casting technique is mastered, a Baitcasting reel provides excellent accuracy. Furthermore, during the cast the line comes directly from the spool which reduces friction as the line enters the first guide, this results in smoother casts and also less twisting of fine diameter braids.

There are two other reasons to choose a Baitcasting reel, power and gear ratio. Baitcasting reels have more direct power than spinning reels because of the reel configuration. The handle and the spool is positioned in-line, so there is no need for complicated gearings and the power and torque can be applied more efficiently. Also, because the handle is mounted directly to the frame, there is reduced flex when applying large amounts of pressure.

For all round fishing a gear ratio of 6.4:1 is a good choice as it offers versatile performance and can be used for a wide variety of fishing styles and lure weights. Slower gear ratios of 5.2:1 are recommended for fishing with high resistance lures like crankbaits, bigger swimbaits or spinners with slower rotation. The lower gear ratio produces more torque (pulling power) and will help you to keep your lure in the strike zone longer. Higher gear ratios 7.2:1 and above are recommended for fast techniques like top-water fishing, jigging and whenever you have to generate a lot of speed during the retrieve.

Shimano breaking systems explained.

The setting of the spool brake system is of great importance when fishing with baitcasting reels. Shimano offers three different options of spool brake systems, I-DCS, FTB and SVS to control the resistance on the spool during casting.

I-DC is a highly advanced digital control system which uses a microcomputer to adjust the resistance during the cast. The brake can be adjusted internally using a semi-automatic dial pre-set for different line types and then further adjusted externally with an 8 settings dial.

FTB is designed for ultra lightweight finesse fishing and uses a magnet moving mechanism that is mounted on the internal frame of the reel not the spool. This enables the spool to move with almost no friction. Adjustment can be made using an external dial.

SVS Infinity is a centrifugal brake which uses small weights on the inside of the reel to activate the braking. Most braking settings can be achieved using the external dial, but for additional adjustment the internal weights can be engaged or disengaged to adjust the braking resistance.

Hopefully you have found this article useful, you can find our range of Baitcasting reel here and keep an eye on our Facebook and Youtube channels for plenty of fishing videos and information.